Switzerland’s environmental footprints: Trends between 2000 and 2023
A new study commissioned by the FOEN on Switzerland’s environmental footprints from 2000 to 2023 shows that the total environmental impact per person has fallen by around a fifth since 2000. In absolute terms, however, it has remained largely unchanged over the period under review.
To assess Switzerland's progress towards a resource efficient economy, it is essential to understand the environmental impact associated with consumption (hereinafter referred to as "footprints"). This is particularly important for an open economy such as Switzerland with its limited domestic market. The footprint approach starts from the end products demanded in Switzerland and attributes to the country the environmental impacts generated worldwide through its final demand. The entire life cycle of these products is taken into account.
The aim of this study is to model, evaluate, and interpret a time series of selected environmental footprints for Switzerland, using the most up-to-date data available and considering the full supply chain. In addition, the environmental impacts have been analysed by major demand categories.
The development of the footprints has been compared with current scientific findings on ecological carrying capacity limits as well as Switzerland’s environmental objectives, in order to identify the need for action from a footprint perspective.
